Deventer scavenger hunt
One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, full of Hanseatic stories — uncover them by cracking riddles and codes at real places. Or simply explore the route as a self-guided walking tour. In English.
Centuries-old stories around every corner
Deventer is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and breathes history. On the banks of the river IJssel it grew into a powerful Hanseatic city (a member of the medieval Hanseatic League trade network), and you can still see it everywhere: in the façades, the alleyways and the squares. A scavenger hunt is the perfect way not just to see those stories, but to unravel them.
You wander through the atmospheric Bergkwartier, one of the best-preserved historic quarters in the country, and across the Brink, the market square with its old Waag (weigh house). Along the way you pass the Lebuïnuskerk (St Lebuinus' Church) and remarkable buildings such as the Penninckshuis. At each stop you crack a code; together they lead to the secret word and the treasure chest.
Good to know: the content of the Deventer route has been carefully fact-checked, with sources at every stop. We can never completely rule out the odd mistake, so if you spot something that isn't right, do let us know in the app.
Prefer to just look around? You can also explore this route freely — without questions, with the story, the background and the sources at every stop. That makes it just as much a free self-guided walking tour.
- 1.5–2.5 hoursat your own pace
- Freeduring the launch
- All agesfamily-friendly
- In the browsernothing to download
What you'll see along the way
The Brink
The broad, lively market square with the Waag (weigh house) — for centuries the trading heart of the city.
The Bergkwartier
Narrow streets and centuries-old houses in one of the best-preserved historic quarters in the Netherlands.
The Lebuïnuskerk
The impressive church (St Lebuinus') that reaches back to the earliest history of Deventer.
The Penninckshuis
A striking Renaissance façade with a story you unravel along the way.
Frequently asked questions about the Deventer hunt
Can I walk the Deventer route without the puzzles?
Yes. Alongside the scavenger hunt with puzzles you can explore the Deventer route freely: you walk the same route without questions and read the story, the background and the sources at every stop. That makes it a free self-guided walking tour of Deventer, at your own pace and without an account.
Where does the Deventer route go?
You walk through the historic Bergkwartier, past the Brink with its Waag (weigh house) and the Lebuïnuskerk. The exact route and starting point are in the app.
How long does the Deventer hunt take?
On average 1.5 to 2.5 hours, at your own pace. You can pause along the way, for example on the Brink.
Is the Deventer scavenger hunt suitable for children?
Yes, it is fun for all ages; some puzzles take a bit of detective work, so younger children have the most fun playing together with an adult. It is an active, playful way to discover the city.
What does the Deventer scavenger hunt cost?
During the launch it is free. Afterwards you can leave a small voluntary donation.
Ready to crack Deventer?
Pick the route, head out and open the treasure chest. Today, completely free.
Start in Deventer →